Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Category: Leadership

Broken hearts, pain, and turmoil can be avoided with better choices.

Broken hearts and pain, for what?

July 3, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Our hearts and the hearts of family and friends can be broken, torn apart with sadness and pain by the actions of one alcoholic drinker. One drinker behind the wheel can take a life. One drinker with loose lips can destroy relationships; one drinker not exercising self-control can start a fight that ends or maims a life.

To many, drinking is harmless and often associated with socializing, fun times, relaxation, romance, and parties (I used to think this way). Sip by sip, one loses their ability to react swiftly in emergencies. Many who drink will never admit they’ve been affected negatively. Instead, they tout, “It’s only one beer or one glass of wine.” They may exclaim, “I don’t get drunk,” or “I function fine on just one or two drinks,” etc.

Maybe, just maybe, that’s because they’ve never faced a real emergency when drinking; never faced a situation where their best was required, and they didn’t have it. When their reaction was slightly slower, their words were unwise and led to devastating results. Heartache, pain, and lives turned upside down in avoidable and unnecessary turmoil.

It’s been a while since the van of a niece was hit by a drunk driver and flipped: her husband and one of her children were with her. At that time, my niece went through much pain, and the rest of her family was seemingly OK. It’s scary to realize that we could’ve lost them all; they could’ve been horribly injured, maimed for life in some manner, all because of a social drinker. One person who thought they were in control, who drank just enough to impair their ability and cause an accident, an accident that now labels them “a drunk driver.”

I quit drinking alcohol several years ago because I came to this conclusion: “If there are more reasons not to do something than to do it, then why do it?”

There are many logical, biblical, and common-sense reasons not to drink. I started asking myself, why do I need to drink alcohol? I found no good reason! I still have a good time; I still enjoy my friends; I can still be silly and do all of this without alcohol; plus, as a great big bonus, I get to remember more about the fun I had.

Please, don’t risk being labeled a drunk driver; the consequences can be severe.

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,”

Philippians 1:27 ESV

God First!

Prayer and the hearts of children

June 21, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The heart of a child is so pure, and hearing them pray is such a great blessing, as those little but enormous hearts shine with their words of love. Every parent who believes in Jesus should take time each day to teach, listen, and encourage their children to pray.

It’s a true gift to experience the thoughts and words of the pure heart as our children pray for people, topics, and concerns that come to those little minds. While they repeat what you taught about approaching God in Jesus’ name, encourage them to add their own thoughts rather than a cut-and-paste memorized prayer, and you will find these moments are both precious and informative. Just listen, learn, and absorb as they share their hearts with our Heavenly Father. Listening to them pray can easily become some of the best memories you ever experience as you share the love of Jesus with them; it is downright inspirational.

We can learn so much from the hearts of children. Make and prioritize this time, and you’ll never regret it!

  • Matthew 19:14
  • Matthew 18:3
  • Mark 10:15
  • Luke 18:17
  • Matthew 18:4

God First!

Let your light shine

Scully Cursed Worse Than a Sailor

April 16, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The term “curses like a sailor” is often used to describe people who use a lot of foul language. Scully was a friend of my grandparents, and one year, as we visited my grandparents for the summer, my grandmother pulled us aside and let us know he was coming over and what to expect, warning us that Scully cusses worse than a sailor, but also pointing out he was a really good-hearted man and friend for many years. She hoped he would not do so in front of us; however, she knew it was just part of his makeup. When we met him, he was very kind, and they all sat around for a long visit. He may have been mindful of his language at first, but quickly fell into his habit.

What I remember most about Scully, whom I think we only met twice, was his friendliness towards my grandparents, his kindness, his tall, rather thin appearance, and his laughter. I remember he did cuss a lot, but I don’t remember what specific words he used most. As my grandmother pointed out, it was part of his makeup.

My ears were not so offended by his use of foul language that I could not appreciate all the good in the man, of which I believe there was much.

As I grew into adulthood, I never adopted foul language as a norm. Dad used it sometimes when I was little. He drank beer and even smoked some, but as he began taking us to church, I was about seven, Dad began viewing things differently, and over time, found Scripture in God’s Holy Word that made him want to stop, and he did.  Cold turkey, he stopped smoking, never to return; the beer and cussing were habits that changed over time as he grew to appreciate God’s intent for us.

In later years, I used a curse word in front of dad, who then pointed out to me that foul language points out one’s inability to articulate well, that using disrespectful, foul, and hateful words is no more than a feeble attempt at attention when you lack a better vocabulary to command it. This thought helped me look for better ways to communicate rather than resorting to cussing. Dad also suggested I replace those types of words with something like Snacklefrackle (a word he made up), one I have used several times over the years, that people then ask, “What!”

I am glad that I never adopted curse words as part of my makeup and that Dad’s suggestions worked for me. I am thankful that I learned enough about God’s Word to know that God expects so much more of his disciples. (See Matt. 15:11, 5:22, Eph. 4:29, 5:4, James 3:2, Col 3:8)

I live in a neighborhood of 530 homes. I have many neighbors and friends who use foul language. I don’t condone its use; I don’t like hearing or reading it, nor the use of the Lord’s name in vain, which non-believers commonly use. The non-believer being one who is unwilling to study, learn, and do God’s Will, because if we believe, we follow and strive to live according to Christ’s example. Matthew 16:24-26 non-believers don’t strive to do His will. (James 2:14-26)

When opportunities arise, I voice my understanding of God’s Word, but I don’t live in a bubble; I know this is part of their makeup and habits. I also don’t join in with the habit.

I understand that if people truly believe in and understand God’s word, they don’t use it.

How can we be Christlike examples by living standoffish lives?

Doesn’t standoffish come across as “I think I am better than you” when we don’t?  I know some of my friends abstain from using such language around me, and I appreciate their effort and the respect they show me in doing so.

As Christians, we have an opportunity to teach and share God’s Word in all that we do and speak. We have an opportunity to be a light in a world of darkness; let us not hide our light in fear but rather shine and encourage others to live for Christ.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matt. 5:16

  • Exodus 20:7
  • Deuteronomy 5:11

God First!

Even in death, Stephen was Teaching!

November 9, 2021 / / 0 Comments

As I listened to a lesson by Kyle Rye this past Sunday, the following thoughts came to mind. In all that we do to the end of this worldly life, Christians should strive to follow the example of Stephen and teach God’s Word in all we do down to the very end. Even in death, Stephen was teaching!

Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 7:58-60

In Acts 7:59, we are told: “And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

  1. Here we see by Stephen’s words and example what faith, trust and commitment entails as he called out “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
    • Stephen did not beg them to stop or try to take back his words but rather; demonstrated by example his belief and trust in God.
  2. With a loud voice Stephen teaches them and us as he identifies their action as Sin
    • In verse 58 we find that Saul, later named Paul was present.
    • In verse 59 whether Stephan’s killers knew at the moment or realized it sometime later, Their actions were NOT Justice, but Sin. Among his last words Stephen called them out on this. Certainly, this did not escape Paul as he later grew in understanding.
  3. In death Stephen teaches forgiveness
    • In verse 60 we find Stephen asking God not to hold this sin against them. In making this statment we learn Steven did not leave this world with a grudge or hating those who were taking his life, but rather; Stephen left demonstrating compassion for their ignorance and love for his murderes, as he appealed to God for them to be forgiven of this sin.

I can only imagine how Paul may have reflected on these memories later in life. How they may have burned in his heart, knowing he could not change what he’d been part of, yet these memories likely became fuel. Heartfelt fuel that helped push him to teach and share Jesus no matter what the worldly consequences may be.

Paul later stated: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:15-17)

God First!

  • Colossians 3:13
  • 1 John 2:15-17
  • Hebrews 13:14-16
  • Matthew 6:21
  • Mark 16:15

Why would you want to cheat yourself like that?

August 25, 2021 / / 2 Comments

As I pondered my answer, I realized; this is exactly what we do when we don’t take advantage of opportunities to grow in Christ and build on our relationship with Him.

What happens when we make time to attend as many studies as possible? We draw closer to God, and He draws closer to us; we get to know God and fellow seekers of truth better and our actions demonstrate where our heart’s desire resides.

My heart’s desire once demonstrated my love for; time, eating, tennis, TV, relaxation, fun, laughter, etc. I made time for all these things because my heart’s desire once put them on a pedestal. During that period of life and without realizing it, I was not putting God First, but rather at My convenience.

In a discussion about not attending Sunday bible classes, Worship service, and other growth and edification opportunities such as Sunday evening or midweek bible studies, a friend asked me: Why would you want to cheat yourself like that?

As I thought about his question, I realized the validity of his point. That’s exactly what we do. If I don’t prioritize these opportunities, I’m cheating myself. But, that’s not all; I’m cheating others, starting with my family, those who may follow my lead or depend on me to get them to and from services. So, bottom line, I asked myself, What kind of example am I being?

By not prioritizing my attendance at every opportunity, am I not short-changing family, friends, and myself by not leading us toward spiritual growth? When we don’t attend, we miss out on knowledge, better understanding, fellowship, and growth opportunities. In addition, we miss out on being examples to others. Examples that demonstrate our gratitude, understanding, and belief that God should be first in our lives.

I now look forward to every opportunity to increase my understanding of Scripture and to grow through the uplifting unity of fellow believers by sharing and growing in the truth of Christ with one another.

If you are not attending at every opportunity, I offer this for your consideration…

Why would you want to cheat yourself like that?

God First!

I wrote most of this before the COVID-19 virus, which forced us into our homes to worship online. Yet, the point is still the same. Are we prioritizing our worship time and Bible study? Are we taking advantage of every opportunity for spiritual nourishment? Do our loved ones get to see our commitment by our actions? If not, Why would we want to cheat ourselves like that?

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